Arlington, Texas: J.J. Joe was a remarkable figure in Baylor Athletics, renowned for his outstanding performance as a quarterback from 1990 to 1993. Sadly, he passed away at 54 on February 25, 2025.
His passing is a significant loss for the Baylor family, and his wife, Lakeesha, and three children, Jordan, Josh, and Jacob, survive him.
Highlights
- J.J. Joe was a Baylor Athletics Hall of Famer who lost his life at 54 on February 25, 2025.
- He married Lakeesha and welcomed three children: Jordan, Josh, and Jacob.
- He was a devoted family man who instilled in his children the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance that defined his own life.
J.J. (John Eric) Joe was the color analyst on the Baylor football radio broadcast team, having just finished his 21st season.
As a senior at Lamar High School, he was named the Fort Worth Star-Telegram Offensive Player of the Year in 1988 and led the Vikings to the Class 5A state quarterfinals.
He redshirted his freshman season at Baylor in 1990 and led the Bears to back-to-back bowl games in 1991 and 1992. Moreover, by the end of his career, he held all the school passing records.
Joe was a three-time academic all-American and was named to Baylor’s All-Decade Team for the 1990s. He was also inducted into the Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.
When you’re playing and going through it, (the Hall of Fame) is not something you think about. I really only knew about it when I was broadcasting, when they would induct a class every year. Whenever you play, you want to leave a legacy. I know my records will be broken . . . but you want to be thought of as a good guy.
J.J. (John Eric) Joe
J.J. Joe’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
J.J. Joe was a beloved husband, father, teammate, and friend. He leaves a legacy of excellence, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his family, community, and the game of football.
His determination and talent on the field made him a fan favorite and a respected leader among his teammates.
Joe was a standout quarterback for the Baylor Bears football team. During his collegiate career, he earned All-Southwest Conference honors and set numerous school records.
His leadership and talent on the field left a lasting legacy at Baylor. He was a trusted, special friend and will live on in the spirit of the Baylor family.
I am honored to have been J.J.’s coach. I am heartbroken. J.J. is one of the finest men I ever had the privilege of coaching. He was an excellent leader and a talented athlete. He was unselfish and always cared more about the success of his teammates than his own accolades. He was tough, determined and boy, did he love his teammates and Baylor University.
Hall of Fame Baylor coach Grant Teaff
Furthermore, Joe was known for his character, dedication to his family, and contributions to the community. His passing was a significant loss for the Baylor family and everyone who knew him.
Beyond his athletic achievements, he was a devoted family man who loved his wife, Lakeesha and took immense pride in three sons, Jordan, Josh, and Jacob.
He instilled in them the same values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance that defined his life. His family has yet to announce his actual cause of death, and his celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to a scholarship fund in his name to support student-athletes at Baylor University.
Joe was universally loved, from his playing career as a four-year starter at quarterback to the past 21 years as the color analyst on the Baylor radio broadcasts. Rest In Peace, J.J. Joe.
Additional Information
- J.J. Joe graduated from Baylor with a degree in finance in 1993 and earned his MBA in finance from UTA in 1997.
- He was a founding partner and served as a CFO of Beverly Sue Global Services (BSGC).
- For the past six years, he was on the First Presbyterian Church of Dallas staff as the Senior Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer.
